Brussels, 07/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved - subject to a number of linguistic corrections - a Communication from its president giving instructions to the services for application of the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights, solemnly proclaimed in Nice. Since its proclamation, the Charter has already served as a reference for Ombudsman Jacob Söderman as well as for Advocate General Antonio Tizzano at the Court of Justice, but it is the first time that one of the three signatory institutions has decided to make it a part of everyday life.
The Communication stresses that the Commission, like other institutions, must draw the concrete consequences of the historic event represented by the proclamation of the Charter and make respect of the rights therein its "guideline for conduct". It goes on to state: "This must constitute an imperative in the daily action of the Commission, not only in our relations with citizens and with those for whom decisions are intended, but also in our internal rules and procedures. But it must also be reflected in the exercise by the Commission of its right of own legislative initiative and its regulatory power". In future, any proposal for a legislative or regulatory act should be the subject of prior control of its compatibility with the Charter. All texts will contain an additional whereas specifying that the act respects the rights and principles contained in the Charter. This general formula could, if need be, be completed by a phrase giving a more precise indication of the articles concerned. With a certain anticipation of ratification of the Nice Treaty, the text adds: "As far as external relations are concerned, the Commission's action will also be guided by respect of the rights and principles contained in the Charter, in the spirit of the Treaty of Nice in the new drafting of Article 181 A TEU".
After review by lawyer linguists, the general secretariat will diffuse this communication to all services.